2024 El Dorado County, California Apple U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Apple U-Pick Orchards in El Dorado County, California in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for apples that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have apples orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

El Dorado County

• 24 Carrot Farm - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, apples, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm
  2731 Jacquier Road, Placerville, CA 95667. Phone: 510-828-6538. Email: 24carrotfarms@gmail.com. Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. We are certified organic for all crops! Formerly called Willow Pond Farm. (UPDATED: October 10, 2021 JBS) (ADDED: September 21, 2015)
• Apple Hill, High Hill Ranch - apples, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, train rides (train on a track), pony rides, farm animals, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  2901 High Hill Rd, Placerville, CA 95667. Phone: (530) 644-1973. Email: applehill@highhillranch.com. Open: Apple Hill Season August 18th to December 24th 7 Days a Week Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm; Saturday to Sunday 7am to 6pm. Directions: Take the Carson Road Exit off HWY50 Turn Left on Carson Road We are Located 12 mile up the Road on the Right. Turn Right on High Hill Road. August 18th through December 24th. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Apple Hill, High Hill Ranch Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesTake the Carson Road Exit off HWY50 Turn Left on Carson Road We are Located 1/2 mile up the Road on the Right. Turn Right on High Hill Road. August 18th through December 24thVisit Apple Hill Farm High Hill Ranch for Apple Pies, Apple Donuts, Crafts, & Kid's Activities. (UPDATED: July 01, 2019, JBS) (ADDED: July 05, 2018)
• Argyres Orchard - apples, grapes
  4220 North Canyon, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-644-3862. Email: argyres@mindspring.com. Open: October 1 - October 16;Saturday and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm; Weekends only FOR YOU-PICK GRAPES ONLY; Open when fruit is ripe, closed when gone! Call for ripening dates. Directions: Highway 50 east past Placerville. Camino exit to Carson Road, continue east, left on Barkley to Larsen, left on Larsen to North Canyon, left on North Canyon. 1.4 mile on left look for Apple Hill sign; Click for . Click here for a map and directions. MapQuest Direction. Apples usually start in mid September. Pick your own apples Concord Grapes. Apples sold in half-bushel (20 pound) boxes. Grapes sold in either 2 or 5 pound pails. All weights approximate - no scale - fill boxes as much as you want. Beautiful mature trees - some over 70 years old. Taste all you want while picking.(UPDATED: July 01, 2019, JBS)
• Berry Heaven, USA - Uses natural growing practices, apples, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, herbs or spices, lemons, peaches, persimmons, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, Fresh eggs, porta-potties are available, farm animals, school tours
  5170 Marshall Road, Garden Valley, CA 95633. Phone: 530-457-7181. Email: moonchldt@aol.com. Open: Monday thru Saturday 9am to 6 pm Sunday 1pm to 6pm, June call or see their website for opening date to October 31. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
  Berry Heaven, USA Facebook page. . Monday thru Saturday 9am to 6 pm Sunday 1pm to 6pm, June (call or see their website for opening date) to October 31 We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification(UPDATED: May 01, 2018)
• Celtic Gardens - Apples, Blackberries, Grapes, Pears
  4221 North Canyon Road, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-647-0690. Email: stephenvb@D-web.com. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 530-677-6275. .
• Denver Dan's - Apples
  4354 Bumblebee Lane, Camino, CA . Phone: 530-644-2893. Email: dale.patmartin@yahoo.com. Open: September - December, from 9 am to dark. Click here for a map and directions. : 40 varieties including Golden Delicious, Arkansas Black, Spitzenburg, heritage varieties. We make our own jams and jellies and vinegar (20 different kinds). We do vinegar tastings. Pick your own . Friendly atmosphere. Picnic area open year round. Come pick your own !!! has dozens of apple varieties. We provide the buckets. Note: The crop of varies from year to year, so come early in the season (starting Friday of Labor Day weekend) for best pickn'.
• Goodness Orchard - apples, peaches, pears, strawberries, blackberries, tart cherries,
  4341 Pony Express Trail, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: (530) 644-6448. Open: June 4 to November 25 Reservations are required, on Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Click here for a map and directions. June 4 to November 25 (Reservations are required), on Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. You-pick heirloom apples. They also have 15 different varieties of vegetables including sweet corn, tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilies and winter squash in their seasons. Daily June - Nov 25, 10-4. Advance reservation required.
• Goyette's North Canyon Ranch - U-pick apples, pumpkins
  3825 N Canyon Road, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: (530) 622-9299. Email: lbgoyette@earthlink.net. Open: Weekends, mid September to end of Oct, 10 AM to 5 PM. Click here for a map and directions. Goyette's North Canyon Ranch #21 on Apple Hill map - off Hwy 50 at Camino. 6 varieties of apples. Pumpkins, Indian corn and gourds. Also picnic and play areas, pumpkin patch. (UPDATED: April 28, 2015, JBS)
• Hangtown Kid Apple Orchard - apples, pears, cherries, chestnuts, persimmons, pumpkins, honey from hives on the farm, Christmas trees
  2598 Mace Road, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-647-1810. Email: jpalmer42@att.net. Open: Call before you go. Click here for a map and directions.
  Hangtown Kid Apple Orchard Facebook page. Hangtown Kid Apple Ranch Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on June 23, 2009: "great people, great fun, delicious fruit . Nice older couple, work their own small farm of 10 acres. a bit out of the more crowded areas associated with Apple Hill off Mace Rd. "
• Harris Family Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, marionberries, pears, pumpkins, rhubarb, Fresh eggs, picnic area, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  2640 Blair Road, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. Phone: (530) 644-2194. Email: harristreefarm@hotmail.com. Open: Thursday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4:30 pm, June 1 to December 24. Directions: Driving directions: Travel on Highway 50 to Pollock Pines. Turn off at the Pollock Pines exit #57, turn left under the freeway. Turn right on Pony Express Trail, about one mile turn left on Blair Road. Travel one mile on Blair Road, the entrance is on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Harris Family Farm Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates Pies & Turnovers, Jam & Preserves. You pick blackberries beginning in July. Camp on our farm in the forest or Christmas trees. (ADDED: April 05, 2017)
• Larsen Apple Barn - May NOT be pick your own; apples, peaches, pears, nectarines
  2461 Larsen Drive, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-644-2293. Email: info@larsenapplebarn.com. Click here for a map and directions. . Also a bake shop and picnic area. Note: I haven't had an update from them since 2008 so call before you go; their website does not indicate that they allow pick-your-own any more, just already harvested. I've emailed them again (May 2018) to get an update) Other websites are simply copying information from here, so don't count on them!
• O'Halloran's Apple Trail Ranch - Apples, Pears, U-Pick, Pumpkin Patch, Cut & Choose Christmas Trees
  2261 Cable Road, Camino, CA . Phone: 530-644-3389. Open: It looks like only the pumpkins are U-pick, September - December. Click here for a map and directions. We offer a variety of activities for the whole family that last from early September through the holidays. We hope you will stop in for a visit and taste our crisp, juicy apples and tree-ripened pears. We also have acres of pumpkin patch - you can cut your pumpkin right off the vine! And, If you're looking for the perfect Christmas Tree we have five varieties of quality trees to choose from. While you're here take a hike through our nature trail and have a picnic in the orchard. We look forward to seeing you! We have the perfect apple for you! We grow 14 varieties so whether you're looking for something sweet, tart, crispy, juicy or tannic we have you covered. We sell our apples by volume and all varieties are the same price. Apples, Pears, U-Pick, Pumpkin Patch, Apple Cider, Indian Corn, Picnic Area, Handmade Crafts, Nature Trail ,Cut & Choose Christmas Trees.
• Pine'O'Mine - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries (Autumn, red), U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area
  2620 Carson Road, Placerville, CA 95667. Phone: 530-344-0288. Email: pineomine@comcast.net. Open: See our facebook page for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. Pine'O'Mine We use integrated pest management practicesis a former Christmas tree farm that is now planted with Blueberries, Raspberries, Apples, and Pumpkins. We wanted to have something for families, so we made our ranch u-pick. Now we have families coming year after year. NOTE: Their website is gone; but their unofficial facebook page shows recent activity. Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me. (UPDATED: May 06, 2018, JBS)
• Rainbow Camino Ridge - blueberries, apples
  3010 Snows Road, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: (530) 644-1594. Email: rainboworch@gmail.com. Open: You Pick blueberries on Saturdays and Sundays mid June through mid July and Rainbow Orchards Barn is open for Labor Day weekend and open daily from September 6 through Thanksgiving weekend. Click here for a map and directions.
  Rainbow Camino Ridge Facebook page. November 30, December 1, December 7, December 8. Starting on Labor Day Weekend, Rainbow Orchards Barn fills up with just-picked fruit. Peaches - limited availability in September. Available beginning in early September - Gala, Red Delicious & Golden Delicious, Granny Smith Apples. Followed by - Fuji, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Rome, Winesap and Arkansas Black Apples On-site Cider Mill presses fresh, unfiltered, all natural, delicious cider blended from the perfect combination of apples. Rainbow Orchards now also offers HARD CIDER brewed from the fresh pressed cider made in the on-site cider mill. Premium Rainbow Wines Available: Cabernet Syrah, Merlot, Syrah, Hard Cider. Call or check Rainbow Orchards facebook, or email for dates & availability of berries. They offer both You Pick or We Pick berries. Varieties include Duke, Chandler, Legacy, Liberty, Blue Crop, Ozark Blue, Elliot, Titan, Toroberries are also available at Farmers Markets in the Bay Area. Check rainboworchards,net for locations(ADDED: July 01, 2019, JBS)
• Ralph's Apple Ranch - apples
  2209 Larsen Road, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-644-4038. Click here for a map and directions. . Does not appear to be U-pick for peaches, pears, nectarines or plums. Note: They sometimes close early in the season. Does anyone have current information, are they still open? If so, please write me!
• Sun Mountain Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blueberries, pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, picnic area
  3000 North Canyon Road, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-621-3740. Email: Fruit@SunMountainFarm.com. Open: Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm; Monday to Friday by appointment. Directions: #28 on the Apple Hill Map. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Sun Mountain Farm Alternate Phone: 530-919-7879 Blueberries: June; Apples: September, October, Early November; Pumpkins: October. We offer the finest seasonal "You Pick" apples, blueberries and pumpkins. Wine grapes may be available to home winemakers by arrangement. We use integrated pest management practicesFish Friendly Farming Environmental Certification

 

Apple

Apple Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first.  Once they are picked, they stop ripening. Picking apples directly from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don't shake the trees or branches.  If the apple you are trying to pick drops, (or others on the tree) go ahead and pick it up. They're perfectly fine! But do wash them before you eat them! More info: How to tell when apples are ripe

• Once picked, don't throw the apples into the baskets, place them in gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly.
• Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage.
• For an explanation of why apple slices turn brown and how to stop it, see this page!
• Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life.  A cool basement is ideal, but the fruit/vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will work, too.  A refrigerator is fine for small quantities of apples. Boxed apples need to be kept in a cool, dark spot where they won't freeze. Freezing ruptures all of an apple's cells, turning it into one large bruise overnight. The usual solution is to store apples in a root cellar. But root cellars often have potatoes in them: apples and potatoes should never be stored in the same room because, as they age, potatoes release an otherwise ethylene gas, which makes apples spoil faster. If you can keep the gas away from your apples, they will keep just fine. Just don't store them right next to potatoes.
  Prevent contact between apples stored for the winter by wrapping them individually in sheets of newspaper. The easiest way to do this is to unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then stack the wrapped apples. See more here: How to store apples at home
• Apples don't improve or "ripen" after being picked - this is an urban myth - see this page for the truth - with references!

Which apple variety is best?

There are tens of thousands of varieties of apples, developed over centuries. They vary in sugar, acoidity, flavors, storing, crispness and many other attributes. See our guides to apple varieties:

• Summary table of many apple varieties and their characteristics
• Detailed descriptions of each apple variety with detailed characteristics
• Apple varieties, sorted by the order in which they typically ripe
• Apple varieties that don't turn brown when they are cut
• Why are some apples brown or spotted inside when you first cut them open?

Canning apples - fully illustrated, with step-by-step instructions

• How to make applesauce
• How to make apple butter 
• How to make apple jelly
• How to make apple pie filling (canned)
• How to can apples
• Home canned apple juice

New!As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

Recipes, illustrated with step by step instructions

• Apple pie recipe and directions and illustrated! I can say, with, ahem, no bias at all, that this is the best apple pie recipe in the world! (Alright, I did have an apple strudel in Vienna once at that place listed in Fodors that was REALLY good, but that wasn't a pie, was it? And since this was the recipe my grandmother used, it must be great!)
• How to make applesauce for a single meal (not canning it) with NO special equipment
• Apple cobbler
• Apple crunch - best of all! Moist, low sugar and using oats!
• Apple crisp - ever-popular, low sugar and using oats!
• Apple, blackberry, cherry, and/or peach cobbler
• Apple-blackberry, crumble - a English favorite (or favourite)

Using fresh apples and miscellaneous

• How to stop cut apples from browning
• Apple festivals - find one near you!
• Apple facts
• Apple seeds and cyanide

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers